Arbeia: Commanding Officer's House

 This evening, I am reporting on the restored commanding officer's residence at the Roman fort known as Arbeia at the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall.


 The video clip below provides an insight into what the interior may have looked like.

Many years ago I had the opportunity to overnight at the property together with a group of re-enactment Roman soldiers who were marching along the line of Hadrian's Wall.

More information on Arbeia

This partly reconstructed fort is located at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, overlooking the mouth of the River Tyne in N.E. England. Key facts:

  • Probably built around AD 161-180 to replace an earlier fort in the vicinity.
  • Site extended from 1.7 to 2.1 hectares after AD 200. Rationale was to extend capacity as a supply base in support of strategy to conquer northern Britain.
  • The site was extended to include 22 granaries, to hold vital food supplies for the troops.
  • After abandonment of the northern campaign Arbeia acted as a supply base for Hadrian’s Wall, no doubt aided by its strategic location with access to the sea.
  • Around AD 300 the site suffered a disastrous fire. Final HQ building was a re-build following the fire.
 Here is the video clip
 

 

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